Past Paper Feb 2022 Flashcards
Name two distinctly different types of protective structure
Glasshouse Walk-in polythene tunnel cold frame cloche Low polythene tunnel conservatory
Describe how a glasshouse can be used for crop production
can be a heated/un-heated environment
Grow veg or ornamental plants in it eg; tomatoes, cucumbers, Poinsettias, Cyclamen
Can grow crops on benches, or on the ground using a hydroculture system
Describe how a walk-in polythene tunnel can be used for crop production
Usually un-heated, but can heat if required.
Less flexible growing structure compared to a glass house
Potential of the growing season is shorter and retains a high level of humidity
Can grow Celery, strawberries, raspberries, peppers, lettuce
Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; AIR TEMPERATURE
OUTSIDE; Lower air temp
PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT; Higher air temp.
Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; Relative humidity (on a sunny day)
outside; lower relative humidity
Protected environment; Higher relative humidity
Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; AIR MOVEMENT
Outside; Considerable air movement
Protected environment; limited air movement
Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION
Outside; ambient carbon dioxide concentration
Protected environment; lower carbon dioxide concentration
Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; NATURAL LIGHT LEVELS
Outside; Higher light levels
Protected environment; Restricted natural light
Name two distinct cladding materials used in the construction of protected structures
Horticultural glass Polythene film twin-walled polycarbonate acrylic sheeting shade netting horticultural fleece
State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: HORTICULTURAL GLASS
long life span very heavy strong fragile high level of light transmission retains heat well
State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: POLYTHENE FILM
cheaper than horticultural glass
life span 4-5 years
Retains less heat than hort. glass
Good light transmission -that is reduced by condensation.
Deteriorates over time due to dust and UV rays
State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: TWIN-WALLED POLYCARBONATE
Costs more than hort glass
lighter and easier to handle than the glass too
Can saw into shape/size
Good heat retention/light transmission
Can deteriorate over time due to acid rain
State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; SPHAGNUM MOSS PEAT
Naturally sterile Good water retention Excellent structure Well aerated Very acidic (pH4) Difficult to re-wet once dried out
Not a sustainable product, releases carbon into the atmosphere so preferable to use an alternative method*
State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; SHREDDED BARK
Non-clumping open structure good aeration Can lock up Nitrogen Low water holding ability pH variable
State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; PERLITE
inert, durable, light, sterile
Improves drainage/air-filled porosity in a growing media
Water is only held on the surface of the granule
Produces dust which is an irritant
Describe 2 environmental factors that must be taken into account when displaying plants inside domestic buildings; NATURAL LIGHT LEVELS
Influences plant selection
Poor light leads to etiolated growth , extended inter-nodes and weak growth that is susceptible to pests/diseases
Plants with variegated foliage require higher natural light levels to maintain their variegation
Flowering plants require good light levels
Green Foliage plants tolerate lower levels of light
Excessively high light levels result in leaf scorch
Describe 2 environmental factors that must be taken into account when displaying plants inside domestic buildings; AIR TEMPERATURE
Individual plants require a specific temp range
Low temps result in poor, weak slow growth and lack of flower buds
Excessive high temps create additional drying out of growing media and possible leaf damage
Fluctuating temps are more damaging, resulting in very poor growth and leaf damage
Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION (7 points)
Prop. by stem tip cuttings
Healthy, true to type, pest/disease free material is removed from the stock plant
Take from just above a node 7.5-10cm in length.
To prepare, trim just below the node at base and cut to 5-7.5cm long
Remove the lower third of the leaves.
You can apply a rooting hormone powder if you want
Place cutting in a suitable environment eg; closed case with a basal temp of 21-24’c with a hight relative humidity to minimise moisture loss
Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; POTTING
Pot rooted cuttings into 9cm pots
Use with John Innes No.2 or equivalent loam less growing media.
Gently tease apart cuttings to avoid root damage
Hold in centre of pot half filled with gm.
Pot to same depth as they were in the cuttings tray
Growing media is gently placed around the plant until the pot is full
Gently firm so ensure cutting is upright and secure.
Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; WATERING
Water over head initially after potting to settle the gm.
Keep gm moist especially during the growing season
Use a watering can with a fine rose/single spout or place bots on a tray of water
Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; ONE SYMPTOM OF ONE NAMED PEST
Two spotted spider mite
Caused localised death of the leaf mesophyll cells
This results in fine mottling on the leaf
Fine silk strands are visible on the underside of the leaves in severe infestations
Mealy bug and scale insect are other pests.
Describe one method of watering plants stating two advantages of the method. WATERING CAN
Provides a limited amount of water before needing to be re-filled.
The single spout can be used to target water to the base of a plant onto the root system
You can use it with a rose for a fine spray onto a tray of seedlings
Cans are cheap, readily available and portable.
It is adaptable - can water a large specimen or trays of seedlings.
Describe one automated method of watering plants stating two limitations of the system; DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Alkathene pipes transport water from the mains near to the plant.
Capillary tubes are inserted into the pipes which are often pegged into the container next to the plant.
Water is delivered as a drip from this tube which is targeted around the base of the plant
In hard water areas where water in alkaline, the capillary tubes can become blocked so plants become dry.
Rabbits/rodents can chew through the tubes making them ineffective.
